If your competitors are using OEE to manage their processes just like you, how do you plan to establish a unique approach that helps your company to outperform them? You may be surprised to learn that the perception of process management and control created by high technology OEE solutions can quickly be shattered by the lack of specific process level data collection and analysis.
A recent visit to a high volume production facility was typical of most operations with all the latest technology to show FTQ (First Time Quality), OA (Operational Availabillity), Plan versus Actual rates, and plasma process displays showing fault locations. We were disappointed and surprised to learn that the collection of raw data at the process level was extremely limited and required personnel to manually record data using paper tracking sheets. While the displays were high technology, the infrastructure required to support data collection and provide meaningful analytics in real time did not exist.
In contrast, we have also toured facilities that have highly integrated data collection and analysis to support their OEE systems in real time. Highly evolved and integrated OEE systems actually allow personnel to use the system to help them manage their processes as opposed to the first case where personnel are wondering whether anyone is even looking at the “numbers”.
From this perspective, the level of OEE integration in your organization could be a defining attribute that differentiates your company from your competitors. This is easily demonstrated by showing how your data is used to manage and improve your results in real time versus others who are looking at the results only to scratch their heads and wonder what is going on. The success of your integration is also directly correlated to the training provided to your team – at all levels.
There is more to differentiation than being the same but different.
Until Next Time – STAY lean!
